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| Step 4: Leakage tests |
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| When a leak is relatively small, typically less than 225m3 per year (equivalent to an average 4 person household's usage), it is very difficult to detect. It is only possible to confirm that there is no leakage if a period of at least 2 minutes is spent watching the meter. |
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| If any movement is detected with a 2 minute test it is then necessary to observe the meter for at least 12 minutes to confirm the nature of use and to take readings to quantify it. Movement can best be seen on the spinner and the dial measuring tenths of a litre. |
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| How to carry out the initial leakage test on your supply pipe, between your meter and internal stop tap:
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| Firstly you will need to find your meter, so you are able to take readings.
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| Click here if you need guidance on how to find your meter |
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| Shut off all taps and the internal stop tap - this is often located under the kitchen sink or in a connecting garage. Check that no water comes out of the kitchen cold tap - you may need to let it run for a few minutes before it stops. If the water continues to flow, then you have not fully shut off the internal stop tap or it is faulty and needs replacing.
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| Now do the following 2 minute test on your external supply pipe.
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| If the two readings are different, please follow these instructions to quantify the leak on your supply pipe.
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NOTE: Your water bill consists of water charges and sewerage charges. Three Valleys Water only supply your water and depending on where you live, either Thames or Anglian Water supply your sewerage services. A leak of 1,000 litres (1 cubic metre, 1m3) would cost, either about £1.22 (for Thames Water customers) or £1.90 (for Anglian Water customers).
If you do not know who supplies your sewerage services click here. |
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| If the two readings are identical, please follow these instructions to test your internal plumbing.
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| Some documents on our site require you to use Acrobat to open and read them. To download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader, please click on the icon: |
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